Cheeseburger mac✨
Cheeseburger mac✨
For the Beef:▪️2 tsp Avocado or Olive Oil▪️1/2 a Yellow Onion, diced small▪️1 lb. Lean Ground Beef▪️1 tsp Kosher Salt▪️1/4 tsp Pepper▪️
For the Mac:▪️5 Tbsp Butter▪️5 Tbsp Flour▪️5 Cups 2% Milk (or milk of choice)▪️1 tsp Kosher Salt▪️1/4 tsp Pepper▪️1/4 tsp Nutmeg▪️2 Dashes Cayenne Pepper (optional)▪️1 Medium Head Cauliflower (4 Cups), finely chopped into very small pieces▪️5 Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese▪️16 oz. Cellentani or Cavatappi Pasta (or pasta of choice)▪️1 Large Tomato, chopped▪️1/4 Cup Parsley, minced▪️
On Top:▪️1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese▪️
1️⃣ Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta and preheat the oven to 400F
2️⃣ In a pan preheated over medium heat, sauté the onion in oil until translucent (2-3 mins) and then add the beef, salt, and pepper; sauté 3-4 more mins until the beef is cooked through and set aside
3️⃣ In a separate large pot preheated over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the flour; cook the flour whisking constantly for 1 minute and then start gradually pouring in the milk ~1/2 cup at a time, whisking so that the milk gets fully incorporated before adding more
3️⃣ Once all of the milk is added, turn the heat up to medium high and continue whisking until the white sauce starts to bubble and has thickened slightly, then add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne
4️⃣ Add the chopped cauliflower to the white sauce and cook stirring often (so the white sauce doesn’t burn) for 7-10 minutes until the cauliflower is tender (boil the pasta while the cauliflower is cooking); stir in the cheddar cheese and then turn off the heat until the pasta is ready
5️⃣ Cook pasta 2 mins less than package directions then drain and transfer it into the cheese sauce; add the beef + onion mixture, tomato, and parsley and cook over medium heat for 1-2 mins
6️⃣ Transfer the mac into a 9x13” baking dish (or individual bakers) and top with cheese; bake uncovered for 20-25 mins until golden brown and bubbly and enjoy!
⏲10 minute prep time + 40 minute cook time
Recipe serves 8 people (makes great leftovers!)
🌱Vegan Modification: Leave out the beef an sub in unsweetened out milk for milk, olive oil for butter, and plant based cheese for cheddar